Hominids

The Neanderthal Parallax, Book 1

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Robert J. Sawyer

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Neanderthals have developed a radically different civilization on a parallel Earth. A Neanderthal physicist, Ponter Boddit, accidentally passes from his universe into a Canadian underground research facility. Fortunately, a team of human scientists, including expert paleo-anthropologist Mary Vaughan, promptly identifies and warmly receives Ponter. Solving the language problem and much else is a mini-computer, called a Companion, implanted in the brain of every Neanderthal. A computerized guardian spirit, however, doesn't eliminate cross-cultural confusion; permanent male-female sexuality, rape, and overpopulation are all alien to Ponter. Nor can it help his housemate and fellow scientist back in his world, Adikor Huld, when the authorities charge Adikor with his murder.

BONUS AUDIO: Author Robert J. Sawyer explains why Ponter Boddit is his favorite among all the characters he's created.

Hunt and gather: listen to more in the Neanderthal Parallax trilogy.

©2002 by Robert J. Sawyer (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award Winner, Best Novel, 2003

"Sawyer is a writer of boundless confidence and bold scientific extrapolation." (The New York Times)

intriguing concept but really slow

Explaining the parallel universe concept and outsider criticism of society seemed to be far more important to the author of this book than actual plot was. The assortment of characters were kind of interesting enough to get you through, but the whole thing left me wishing that there was more to the novel. It kind of reminded me of Brave New World, where the author has spent so much intellectual time on the backdrop that they don't have any effort left for making the characters do things. The only conflict in the novel which seems to have anything hanging on its outcome is the trial in the Neanderthal universe, and even that is so bogged down by repetition and talk of social order that it looses any weight.

As always, Jonathan Davis is the world's greatest narrator. The novel seems determined to highlight Canada's multiculturalism, so there are tons of accents, which Davis does admirably. Ok, I won't lie, his French Canadian accent maybe leaves something to be desired, but he's so great at everything else that I'm not going to hold it against him.

Enjoyed

I purchased the first this book and right away downloaded the two follow up books. They were very interesting. Not a concept I had thought about before. Would love to see a 4th book in this series.

A dash of Heinlein!

This book in so many ways reminded me of a mix between The Planet of the Apes (Pierre Boulle) and A Stranger in a Strang Land (Robert Heinlein). I really like Sawyer's writing. It is smart and intelligent and really makes me think "What if?" This book was no exception. I was so wrapped up in it, that I blew through it in like two days. Honestly, I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

never disappoints

Ponter is a great character and his comnection with Mary was.lovely and needs exploring. thank the gods for book 2!!

Decent but predictable

Cool idea and the different worlds created was really interesting. For me, the plot was fairly dull outside of that and I wasn’t a fan of the character interactions. Predictable story as well. I do plan on reading the other two books and would recommend this one, just not 5 stars for me.

Worth a listen

An interesting story idea. Stays entertaining most of the way through. There are some slow parts but overall it is well written and well performed. It was compelling enough for me to buy the next book in the series.

Needs better character

Great idea and concept. But Mary is very poorly written. It’s hard to believe the author ever met a woman.

Entertaining and Educational!

I've always been interested in Evolution and have enjoyed fiction focusing on Neanderthals and our relationship with them way back when. I really debated whether or not to take a chance on these books (I'm half way thru the 2nd book, Humans, as I type) and I'm so glad I did. I love the actual science and feel like I'm learning so much. I love the characters too. Ponter and Mary are carrying the story so well. This idea of what could have happened or might still happen has me "thinking" so much about religion and politics and life in general. I love it when a book makes me think like this. Can't wait to finish Humans and then start on Hybrid. This author, Mr. Sawyer, must be one fascinating MIND.
Bottom line is... Go for it! Take a chance. Not many will regret the opportunity to think outside the box. It's really a treat to be so entertained while learning so much.

An Engaging Flight of Canadian Fantasy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

One of the most entertaining books I've heard in years!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed all of them; not anyone in particular. Each character added so much to the story; it was balanced with no one character dominating the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Pondar is standing on the Canadian Shield overlooking the spot where he would be living in the parallel dimension. Also where they are laying on the hood of the car looking up into the night sky.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I never listen to books all in one sitting. First of all I don't have that kind of time plus its more enjoyable to listen to books in bits. I usually put the timer on especially so with books I really enjoy; I don't want them to end.

Any additional comments?

I'm not big on fantasy and sci-fi but this one was a winner. The facts that were woven into the book - real locations (the neutrino observatory is real - actually exists in Sudbury); real history about our species and evolution really made the book come to life. The only thing that kind of threw me off that I feel didn't add anything to the book was the rape scene and the part where he flares his nostrils detecting the smell of her menstruating - that was a bit of a turn off.

A Neanderthal in Canada? Cool

I really enjoyed this book. The concept of a parallel universe where Neanderthals evolved to be the dominant species instead of us was interesting. Nothing really too technical in here, more of a stranger in a strange land story. Adding in a murder trial and a budding love story just raised the level a notch or two. A very good story matched with a very good audio performance led to a book that kept me engaged throughout.